An accident that would have probably resulted in fatalities and serious damage was averted Thursday morning at the NATO Larissa Air Base, when the landing gear of a F-16D Blk 52 from the 110 Combat Wing did not function properly and the aircraft skipped down the runway.

The two Greek pilots aboard managed to eventually halt the aircraft before emergency personnel and rescue teams rushed to the scene to help the pilots and make sure no further damage would be imposed.

Due to a general investigation ordered by the Greek Air Force leadership to determine the cause of the accident, all F-16 aircraft must stay on ground, and those absent in training or on patrol will be checked after their return